Farmers Market Opens Thursday at Ag Heritage Park

The College of Agriculture and Ag Heritage Park's annual summer farmers market welcomed 20 vendors from across the state on Thursday and approximately 300 customers.

"Not all the produce is ready yet, so in the next couple weeks we hope to have 10 more [vendors]," said Laura Herring, market manager.

Herring said fruits like watermelons and peaches are not yet in season, but will be soon.

Since the farmers market began 2005, vendors have sold farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, honey and plants.

Joe Ponder, a vendor from Dadeville, Ala., said he finds joy in sharing his flowers at the market.

"It takes me two years just to see the lilies bloom, and I would love for somebody to enjoy them," Ponder said.

Vanessa Farmer, an herb vendor from Reeltown, Ala., said the market is a fun way to meet new people while selling what she loves.

"Herbs just make a great substitute when people are trying to get away from salts and eat natural things," she said.

Farmer said she specializes in culinary herbs, which can be used to make healthy food and drinks. She said she was attracted to the market because of the reasonable prices.

"It only costs $15 for a booth each week, which is a great price," Farmer said.

Vendors can pay a one-time fee of $150 to secure a tent for the whole summer.

Denise Register, Auburn resident, has been purchasing produce from the market since last year.

"I like the fresh vegetables," Register said. "I just look around and choose what I have an appetite for."

Herring said the strong support from the community has led to a larger space and more room for vendors this year.

"As long as people keep purchasing from the local vendors, we expect the market to continue on," Herring said.

The farmers market is set to take place every Thursday through August at the Ag Heritage Park, located at the intersection of Donahue Drive and Samford Avenue.